BG3 Paladin Build Guide: Best Oath, Stats, Feats & Gear for Beginners

Why Paladin Is Great for Beginners

Paladins combine heavy armor, self-healing, and the highest burst damage in the game (Divine Smite). You’re hard to kill AND you hit like a truck. The only complexity is managing spell slots for Smites.

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Best Build: Oath of Vengeance Paladin

Stats (Point Buy)

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
17	10	14	8	10	16

• STR 17: Primary stat. Melee damage and hit chance.
• CHA 16: Smite damage bonus, Aura of Protection at level 6, dialogue checks.
• CON 14: HP. Paladins are frontline, need survivability.

Level Progression

Level	Choice
1	Fighting Style: Great Weapon Fighting
2	Divine Smite unlocked. Use sparingly.
3	Oath: Vengeance. Vow of Enmity (Bonus Action, Advantage vs one enemy).
4	Feat: Great Weapon Master
5	Extra Attack. Now attack twice per action.
6	Aura of Protection (+CHA to all saves for you and nearby allies).
7	Relentless Avenger (free movement after opportunity attack).
8	Feat: +2 STR (reaches 19 STR) or Savage Attacker
9	Level 3 spell slots (stronger Smites)
10	Aura of Courage (immune to frightened)
11	Improved Divine Smite (+1d8 radiant to every attack)
12	Feat: Alert or +2 CHA

Combat Rotation

1. Turn 1: Bonus Action Vow of Enmity on priority target → Move into melee → Attack twice with GWM toggled ON (Advantage offsets -5 penalty)
2. On Critical Hit: Divine Smite using highest available spell slot
3. Emergency: Lay on Hands for healing (doesn’t use spell slots)

Best Gear

• Weapon: Everburn Blade (Act 1) → Sword of Justice (Act 1) → Balduran’s Giantslayer (Act 3)
• Armor: Adamantine Splint Armor (Act 1) → Armor of Persistence (Act 3)
• Amulet: Amulet of Misty Step → Amulet of Greater Health (Act 3)